American Alsatian

Is the American Alsatian right for you?

The basics:
The American Alsatian is an emerging breed developed from five exceptional purebred dogs to create the ideal family companion-- intelligent, eager to learn, but perhaps a bit less aware and jumpy than the true working breeds. The five breeds in the mix include the Alaskan Malamute, the German Shepherd Dog, the Great Pyrenees, the Anatolian Shepherd, and the English Mastiff. With that DNA, expect a large dog that has the capacity to be a loyal, hard-working pet if you give it good training and something meaningful to do. A neglected American Alsatian forgotten in a tiny yard or apartment could become destructive.

Appearance / health:
According to the National American Alsatian Club breed standards, ""The American Alsatian is a large Dire wolf looking dog that stands calm and alert. He possesses thick, dense bone, a broad stature, and an impressive head. His look includes that of a gentle intelligence with a bit of secrecy in his slanted yellow-eyed stare. He is powerfully heavy; aware of his surroundings; well muscled and calmly alert. He is well balanced and longer than he is tall. Exhibiting a unique combination of a wolf-like appearance and a calm, gentle disposition, his soundness of mind and body gives the impression of stability and loyalty. Exhibiting a unique combination of a wolf-like appearance and a calm, gentle disposition, his soundness of mind and body gives the impression of stability and loyalty."

The American Alsatian needs regular brushing, especially with the back leg feathering and behind the ears. This breed has a thick undercoat that can keep them quite warm in the winter, but hinder them in the hot summer months. It is important to keep them cool until they shed or "blow" their thick undercoat. At this time it is a must to brush them daily until all the loose fur is released.

The breed displays a great deal of "hybrid vigor" and does not need special diets or grooming.

Behavior / temperament:
The American Alsatian is quiet and mellow preferring jobs/work that do not require a lot of physical activity. Some Alsatian Shepalutes have been successful with wilderness search and rescue, but most American Alsatians prefer the calm work of the therapy dog or the Reading Education Assistance Dog.

The American Alsatian is bred solely for companionship. These gentle giants are calm dogs with low working drive. The American Alsatian is not afraid of thunder or loud noises and large crowds of people are not a bother. This breed of dog does not have a tendency to bark, whine, dig, jump, or wander and its companion dog personality is its most important trait.